Seiko Epson - Page 4

NTERA and Seiko Epson today announced they have successfully produced working prototypes featuring the world's highest resolution naturally reflective electronic displays using NTERA's visualDNA(TM) brand electrochromic display technology. The prototypes feature 200 dpi and 400 dpi QVGA resolution and were produced using Epson's solution processable inkjet methods.

NTERA's technology reflects any ambient light, including bright sunlight, to make images always visible. It features ink-on-paper appearance at a fraction of the power consumption of existing electronic displays by eliminating backlights, a significant power drain in mobile devices. "Existing LCD and emerging OLED technologies fight the sun - we use it!" said Mr. Ritz.

Among the patents now allowed in the US is a patent relating to OLEDs which comprise hole transport, electron transport and emissive components, using type II interfaces, contained in the same molecule. This is believed to be of considerable importance in the context of the printing of OLED devices. Molecules containing 'type II' interfaces are believed to be important in achieving high efficiency display devices.

Other new US patents allowed include a patent relating to the use of a dielectric barrier layer over the key emissive layer to protect it from damage due to sputtering of a conductive layer. This is expected to have important application in top emitting devices in which the light does not have to pass between the transistors but, more efficiently, through a transparent cathode structure.

Epson announced a new OLED display controller for car audio systems. The S1D13702 offers improved functionality over its predecessor (the S1D13701), which has been well received by car manufacturers since volume production began in 2004. Epson plans to start shipping samples shortly, and to begin volume production this summer. Samples are priced at 1,000 yen each before tax.

The new product supports OLED panels with 260K colors, fast response speed and overlapping displays. When used with 256x64 line panels, the controller chip supports fast-moving video images.

Universal Display and Seiko Epson announced that they will work to apply UDC's PHOLED materials to Epson's high-speed ink-jet printing process.

Seiko Epson is on schedule to commercialize OLED TV technology in 2007 according to a company executive. There are still some significant research issues to overcome though. Epson's initial goal is to double the current OLED screen lifetime (to 4,000 hours) by mid-2005 and reach the 10,000 hour mark by 2007. Later in 2007 they will reach 15,000 hours - which will be enough for watching 4 hours per day for over 10 years.

Seiko Epson estimates that the lifetime will double again in 2007. According to the company an OLED TV will cost a bit less than a PDP or LCD TV of the same screen size in 2007. OLEDs will be cheaper as they are easier to make and use less materials (no backlighting and color filters).

Seiko Epson plans to develop OLED TV technology within three years, to gain an edge in the market for screens manufactured for TVs and other entertainment applications, according to a company executive. The company's new technology will be based around Ink Jet printing.

Seiko Epson already unveiled three OLED prototypes - a 40" XGA OLED TV panel, a 12.5" VGA panel and a 2.1" 144x176 display (130ppi). The company says that currently the main hurdle is lifetime, and once this reaches 10,000 hours OLED TVs may start to appear commercial.